Let's make space for what you love.

Professional Home Organizing + Decluttering Services
Richmond, VA | Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Or excited to get organized but not sure how to start? I can help. In Good Order offers decluttering, home organizing, custom closet and storage design, legacy organization, and more in Richmond, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Spend less time managing your stuff and more time living your life.

Book a Complimentary Phone Consultation

Meet Mary

Founder and CEO, Organizing Expert and Space Planning Specialist

Knows the benefits of getting and staying organized, because I've been where you are
Understands you'd rather live your life than clean up
Knows there's no shame in asking for help - life can be messy
Wants to make the hard stuff easier, from decluttering to preparing for life’s transitions

Learn More About Mary and In Good Order

"It looks so good I almost cried."

- Michael

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HOME ORGANIZING
+ DECLUTTERING

I can help if you:

- are a busy parent or professional who wants to get organized but has other priorities

- have accumulated decades worth of stuff and feel like you’re surrounded by clutter

- are constantly searching for things you know you have or are shoving things into drawers and closets because they don’t have a home

in-good-order-professional-home-organize

CUSTOM STORAGE DESIGN
+ CONSULTATION

I can help if you:

- feel like you don't have enough storage

- wish you had a drop zone or mudroom to corral the coats, shoes, and papers

- are ready for your dream closet

- are building a home or renovating and want to maximize storage and get the best solution for your needs

We also offer move services, and all of our services in corporate and commercial spaces.

AS Seen IN

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Introducing Life:Organized

My Life:Organized™ service helps you gather all the information your loved ones will need in a crisis. I’ll help you organize and document your information in a personalized workbook, and figure out what you may be missing. Be remembered for your impeccable planning instead of leaving your family with a mess.

Learn more about this service

Get Organized - One Small Win at a Time!

Big change starts with small steps. When you join our email list, you’ll get practical tips, organizing inspiration, and simple strategies to help you create calm and clarity in your home—delivered right to your inbox.

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As a thank you for subscribing, you’ll receive our free guide: “Small Organizing Projects with Big Impact”—full of quick wins to jumpstart your journey toward a more organized life.

“Hi Mary! I am loving it! I just got to show it all off to my dad this morning, and none of the excitement has worn off. I'm sorry you only got to see me exhausted after all the decisions, ever since Friday I've been so energized and inspired that I've tackled other areas with de-cluttering and organizing! I had a wonderful experience and highly recommend your services!”

Decluttering and getting organized takes effort (hello decision fatigue), but as this client discovered, it pays off in so many ways! We love seeing our clients so happy with their results that they’re inspired to take on more.

Letting go of things is easy for me — if I’m not using it, I donate it. But my clients aren’t me. Everyone has different needs, and we honor that in every job.

If you aren’t ready to part with something, that’s okay. We can help find ways to address the items you aren’t prepared to let go of but shouldn’t take up prime storage space, like sending unworn clothes to a guest closet or boxing up unused items to revisit later (and adding it to your calendar).

We’ll encourage you to let go of the things that aren’t serving you, and maybe even give you a little tough love. But organizing isn’t about pressure — it’s about finding what works for you.

If you need help, let’s set up a free consultation.

Do you feel like life is running you instead of the other way around? There’s always something that needs to be done, and clutter around your house just reminds you of something else. Organization isn’t just about a tidy home—it’s about setting yourself up for success. Getting organized and decluttering can help:

- Give you fewer distractions and more focus
- Make your household run more efficiently
- Keep you on track with good systems

When your home is organized, you are more in control—and that confidence spills into every area of life. Want to learn more? Check out my blog post -𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 - at the link in bio.

What’s one area of your home that 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 gets messy? Let’s tackle it!

Ever made an emergency grocery run because you ran out of cereal? Or bought something again because you couldn’t find it? Getting organized isn’t just about tidiness—it saves you time and money. How?

- No more searching for lost items
- No more buying duplicates
- Less last-minute grocery trips and food waste when you can see what you have
- It’s easier to clean up when there’s less stuff

A little organization goes a long way for your time and wallet. Want to learn more? Check out my blog post - 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝑮𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 - at the link in bio.

Tell us something you’ve accidentally bought twice in the comments!

It’s National Clean Out Your Closet Week, and I want to share my #1 piece of advice for making the keep or toss decisions easier:

*You shouldn’t have to talk yourself into keeping anything!* 📢

If the answer is not immediately yes, it’s no. Harsh? Maybe, but it works.

- If you’re staring in the mirror with a questioning look, it’s a no.

- If you’re hesitating, sucking it in, or giving the “eh” face, just no.

- If you think a different angle will make it look better, it won’t.

- If you say “I don’t know”, “what if”, or “I might”, let it go.

If you don’t look at what you’re trying on and immediately think “Yes! I love this”, it’s just taking up space. Say goodbye, and walk into a closet of clothes you love.

Our garages store so much more than our vehicles—so how do you make it all fit?

Think about all the jobs your garage handles:
✔️ Tools + cleaning supplies
✔️ Lawn equipment, gardening tools + supplies
✔️ Sports equipment + outdoor toys
✔️ Patio furniture + seasonal decor
✔️ Workspaces, pool accessories, holiday storage, and more…

With Spring around the corner, now’s the perfect time to clear the clutter and set it up to actually work for you.

Pro tip: Use vertical space to store items and leave the floor open for your car!

Feeling stressed in your home? You’re not alone! Studies show that reducing clutter and getting organized can lower stress levels. Plus, an organized home makes life so much easier. There are so many benefits of getting organized and better mental and physical health are just the beginning. Decluttering and organization help by:

- Reducing stress + anxiety with less physical clutter
- Helping you sleep better with a peaceful bedroom + less stress
- Making it easier to clean - meaning less dust, pollen, and dander
- Making it easier to have healthy habits like eating better and exercising
- Reducing tripping hazards

A little organization goes a long way for your well-being. Want more information? Check out my blog post - How Getting Organized Can Change Your Life - at the link in bio.

What’s one space you’d love to declutter?

Even your storage bins deserve some love.

Spring cleaning isn't just about floors and windows—this is the perfect time to give some attention to the spaces we rely on every day. Closets, cabinets, baskets, bins… all those hidden workhorses that quietly keep our homes running.

When’s the last time you cleaned your storage containers? Wiped down a shelf or bin, vacuumed a drawer or basket, or gave your glass and plastic containers a bath?

While you’re at it, ask yourself: Is this space really working for me? Could a little organizing make daily life easier?

Because cleaning makes things look better. Organizing makes things work better. And when you do both? That’s spring magic. 🌷

Why organize the spaces no one sees? Because every space—even the hidden ones—affects how we feel.

We spend plenty of time (and money) on the parts of our home everyone sees, but what about the spaces only we see? Out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind—especially at home.

If the spaces we live in are chaotic—even the ones we rarely open—it adds stress. But when closets, cabinets, and even the basement and attic work well and look neat, we’re more likely to keep them that way—and that makes life easier in the long run.

Even the basement deserves a glow-up.

@closetfactory_rva built-ins designed by @cmslate

If something happens to you, will your family be able to find the important documents they need - or will they be drowning in piles of old statements, expired policies, and receipts?

Disorganized paperwork is only going to make your family’s job harder. No one wants their loved ones to have to sort through years of unnecessary documents while they’re grieving.

If you’re ready to get your paperwork in order, check out my last post and download the In Good Order: File It, Shred It, or Regret It Guide at the “Freebies” link in bio.

Need help? With my Life:Organized™ service, I help you declutter your paperwork and organize your essential information now, so your family doesn’t have to search for it later. Because peace of mind is the best gift you can give them, and yourself. ❤️

You have paper clutter. Yes, you! 😁 (And you’re not off the hook just because you’ve gone digital.)

Whether it’s stacks of paper or digital files, most people keep more documents than they actually need. Tax season is the perfect time to do an annual paper purge. Discard unnecessary documents and organize the rest into labeled folders. (For digital files, make sure you name the file so that you can easily find it later.) Make tax time easier each year by including a folder specifically for documents you’ll need to file your return.

Need some guidance on what to keep and what to toss? Download the In Good Order: File It, Shred It, or Regret It Guide! At the “Freebies” Link in Bio.

When I help clients declutter, I’ve noticed a pattern: we keep things because we believe they have value. But often, that value is false. We give value to things that make it harder to part with them, even when something is no longer serving us.

I’ve identified four types of false value that keep us stuck, and the truth to help you let go of the clutter. Swipe through to find out what they are.

Recognizing these false values makes it easier to declutter with confidence. Which one do you struggle with most? Tell us below! ⬇️

When I help clients declutter their closets it’s about creating a space that contains a wardrobe of items they love, that are easy to see, and makes getting dressed stress-free. That means going through each item to decide if it’s worthy of your space! Some questions I ask my clients:

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭? – If it’s been over a year, chances are you won’t reach for it again.

𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐭? – Let go of the “someday” clothes and focus on what makes you feel good now.

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭? – If it doesn’t make you feel great when you wear it, why keep it?

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝟏𝟔 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭-𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐬? – You might! But I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask! 🙂

An organized closet means 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭.

What’s the hardest item to let go of? Tell us in the comments!

Custom Closet by @closetfactory_rva.

Let’s make 2025 the year you prepare to die. There’s a good chance you’re thinking: “no thank you!”, “who wants to think about that?!”, or “WTH??”, but taking control of your legacy can mean peace of mind knowing your family will have everything they need when it matters most.

With my Life:Organized™ service, I help make sure you’ve made all of the necessary preparations and organize your important details in one place.

It’s never easy to think about the what-ifs, but planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family. Make 2025 the year you take control of your legacy with Life:Organized™.

15,500. That’s how many files are sitting in my computer’s documents and desktop folders. And that doesn’t include Google Drive, photos, downloads, or emails. 😬

Information for two businesses and four family members adds up fast. But here’s the thing—just like physical clutter, digital clutter can slow you down, stress you out, and make finding what you need way harder.

There’s no magic number of files you should have, but I guarantee we all have some we could let go of. So in honor of 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲, let’s take 10 minutes to:

💻 Delete old, unnecessary files

💻 Give files and folders names that make things easy to find

💻 Organize documents into folders and back up important photos & data

💻 Clear out that overflowing downloads folder

Because a clutter-free computer = a clearer, calmer mind.

My first Closet Factory installation of 2025 is in the books! 🙌 I love blending custom closet design and organization to create spaces that truly work for my clients.

For this sweet couple, we started by decluttering and relocating everything in the closet to prep for installation. (Loaner rolling racks are a great solution for keeping clothes organized during projects, so they don’t end up piled on the guest bed!) After installation, we came back to organize - and the results are fantastic.

Custom closets don’t have to be extravagant to make a HUGE difference. With the maximized storage space, we were able to bring in clothes they were storing in their guest bedroom—finally getting all their clothing in one place.

Ready for a functional AND beautiful closet? Let’s chat! 💌

This year, do you finally want to make space for the things that really matter? No matter what’s held you back - clutter, poor storage design, or lack of systems - I can help you create a home that works for you, not against you.

In Good Order offers decluttering, organizing, and custom storage design. Our services are tailored for YOUR life and your needs.

Let’s start with a quick phone call or FREE virtual consultation and make 2025 your most organized year yet. Go to the “Start Here for organizing + design” link in our bio so you can spend less time stressing about the mess and more time living your life!

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I don’t, but I do love the fresh-start energy of a new year—especially for resetting my mind and clearing out cluttered spaces.

Fun fact: Less than half of Americans make resolutions, and most don’t last past April. According to Statista, the top resolutions are: save more money, eat healthier, exercise more, lose weight, and spend more time with loved ones.

What if there was one thing that could help you achieve any (or all) of these goals? Getting organized helps set you up for success by clearing your space and your mind, allowing you to focus on your goals and getting stuff done.

Here’s how:
✅ Save money – You’ll stop buying things that don’t serve you and duplicates because you can’t find what you need.
✅ Eat healthier – An organized fridge and pantry make it easier to meal plan and make better choices.
✅ Exercise more – Less time tidying = more time to meet your goals. Organized workout gear means fewer obstacles.
✅ Lose weight – See "eat healthier" and "exercise more." And, less stress can mean healthier choices.
✅ Spend time with family & friends – When you’re organized, you have more time and energy to focus on what matters most.

TLDR: Getting organized makes life easier.

@closetfactory_rva

“I love how the house is looking. So much easier to keep everything in order. :) I am really so happy with what you accomplished.”

This came from a client who felt overwhelmed by clutter in her living room, dining area, and kitchen. The clutter built up over time, leaving her stressed and she wasn’t able to take it on alone.

This project wasn’t about creating a picture-perfect home. It was about giving her the tools and systems to maintain order long-term. Now, she can find what she needs, enjoy her spaces, and experience the freedom that comes with a clutter-free home.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of the mess, know this: you don’t have to do it alone. A fresh start is just a call away!

💬 What’s the one room in your house that could use a little TLC right now? Tell us in the comments.

After watching the devastation of floods in North Carolina last year and the fires in LA this week, I’ve been reflecting on what people have to go through after the devastation of losing their homes. The thought of having to decide what to take - both things you need (ids, medications, insurance policies) and things that you can’t replace (photos, videos, family heirlooms) - then trying to gather all of those items is overwhelming.

Thankfully, people generously donate money, and essentials like food, water, shelter, and clothing, but what about the things that can’t be donated, like your vital records and documents? Being able to grab those quickly—and knowing you have everything you need—can make an unimaginable situation a bit more manageable.

If you need help organizing your essential information, I'm here to help. I’ll donate a portion of the profit from any Life:Organized service purchased in January to the LA Fire Department Foundation.

Is your desk your productivity hub, or where coffee mugs and mail go to die? Clutter = distractions. A clean desk makes room for focus and creativity, and getting stuff done. Today is National Clean Off Your Desk Day, so it is the perfect day for a desk reset!

To set yourself up for a productive 2025:

🖊️ Clear your desk completely and wipe it down. Start the new year with a fresh, clean desk.

🖊️ Make space for the essentials. Keep the things you reach for daily on your desk - your favorite pen, glasses, etc., then add an item that makes you happy like a photo or plant

🖊️ Organize the rest. Create zones for everything in drawers or cabinets, or if you keep it on a surface, use a tray or bin to corral.

Your desk should work for you, not against you. Starting and ending each day with a clean desk sets the tone for your day.

Show off your desk reset in the comments!

We’re just over a week into 2025—are you already overwhelmed? Let’s make this your most organized year yet with our FREE Annual Planning Guide! 📆

Whether you’re a die-hard paper-calendar enthusiast, fully digital, or somewhere in between (like me), this guide will help you map out your year like a pro. Planning your appointments, events, and recurring tasks not only saves time later but also gives you peace of mind that nothing will slip through the cracks.

Think of it as putting yourself on autopilot. With your important events for the year mapped out, you’ll free up energy to focus on other things (like fun).

Not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered! The guide includes prompts for all those must-do annual tasks (hello, dentist appointments and car inspections) and easy-to-use planning pages you can revisit year after year.

Ready to get started? Go to the “Freebies” link in bio to download the guide and start your year off right. A little planning goes a long way - let’s make 2025 your most organized year yet! ✨

#getorganized #planyouryear #plannerlife #plannercommunity #getprepared #organized

Sometimes making a space work for you means totally reimagining its purpose.

This mudroom/home office area worked when there were backpacks, sports equipment, and school papers, but had turned into a dropzone for all the things that didn’t have a home now that the kids are grown. And, their small, reach-in pantry wasn’t cutting it for adults who love to entertain.

We transformed this space into a multi-functional pantry perfect for food storage and entertaining essentials! 🥂🍽️ We created a small office nook for work necessities and turned the original pantry into a streamlined utility closet.

The key to loving your home again may be adapting it to your needs. Whether your needs have changed or your space just isn’t working for you, I can help you reimagine it for your current season of life.

#customstoragesolutions #customstorage #closetfactory #closetfactoryrva #getorganized #stayorganized #pantrygoals #custompantry #pantryorganization #organizedliving #rva #professionalorganizer #804

It’s that time again! Last year, we tackled clutter before it came in with the “No More in 2024” challenge. This year, same challenge, new name - “Don’t Buy in 2025”! How it works: pick one item (or more!) that you know you don’t need, and commit to not buying it this year. Simple, and impactful.

Last year, I committed to no candles. I stayed strong despite some temptation. I received two candles as gifts and still have at least eight candles in the candle drawer. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So, this year I’m doubling down on candles and adding disposable hand towels to the list. (Step one: fewer visits to HomeSense and HomeGoods!)

My list of suggested items hasn’t changed, because neither has what I almost always find in client’s homes. But don’t feel limited by the list – pick something that will have the biggest impact on reducing clutter in your home and keeping money in your wallet.

Share your Don’t Buy items below! We can do it! 🙌

#declutteryourhome #declutteryourlife #savemoney #dontbuy #declutter #clutterfree #getorganized #homeorganization #professionalorganizer #rva #richmondva

Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest moments and figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created the Lasting Legacy Checklist - your step-by-step guide to navigating the essential tasks after a loss. From service arrangement to financial responsibilities, this resource provides help when you need at most.

For one week only, get it for $9 (regularly $19). Use code GETITFIRST at checkout by January 7th to save, and instantly receive your convenient digital download. Link to purchase is in bio.

#estateplanning #legacyplanning

As we wrap up 2024 we are so grateful for the trust our clients have given us to help get them organized. From chaotic closets to perfectly planned pantries and cluttered kitchens to swoon-worthy storage designs, it’s all about giving our clients beautiful, functional spaces.

These are just a few of the amazing projects we got to work on this year. Whether we’re helping with organizing, design, or both, you get life-changing results.

Which space is your fave? Tell us below. ⬇️

#organizedhome #organizedlife #storagedesign #storagesolutions #customstorage #homeorganization #closetfactory #closetfactoryrva #professionalorganizer #804 #richmondva

Is your holiday decor already put away or are you leaving it up until spring? 😁
With a little strategy and organization you can make decorating next year a breeze saving valuable holiday time (and storage space).

🌟 Designate one area to store your decor and label your bins.

🌟 Use ornament boxes with dividers to avoid having to wrap everything in tissue, and make ornaments easy to see.

🌟 if you use an artificial tree, I love a standing tree bag. No one wants to be the fluffer. 🤭

If you need help organizing your holiday decor, send me a message!

#decororganization #holidaydecor #decorstorage #decorstoragetips #customcloset #customstorage #closetfactory #professionalorganizer #rva #richmondva

It’s National Thank You Note Day, and I couldn’t miss the chance to say 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 to everyone who spends time with me here on the interwebs. It’s amazing that so many of you want to see what I have to share. Your support means so much, and I’m so grateful to have this little corner of the internet to connect with all of you. Thank you for being here and inspiring me to share more in the year ahead!

"❤️ Life:Organized. I think I've talked about it before, but I finally did it myself, and wow. No one wants to think about not being here any more, but planning is a necessary part of life, and ignoring it won't make it go away. I finally got to sit down with Mary to go through my ‘stuff,’ and wow! I thought I had my ducks in a row, but this was so tremendously helpful.”

I found through painful experience that most of us aren’t as prepared as we think we are for the end, which is why I created Life:Organized™. If easing your family’s burden of handling your affairs is important to you, a personalized Life:Organized™ workbook can help you ensure they’ll have the information they need, and know where to find it.

Santa might not sneak a custom closet down the chimney while you’re asleep, but it’s still pretty magical. We always have it in your size, and our installers will give any elf a run for their money!

Custom closets come in every size and shape, and are designed to fit your wardrobe and personal tastes. @closetfactory_rva knows there’s no one-size-fits-all solution - we can create the perfect closet for you.

✨ Ready for the magic of a custom closet? Message me to set up your free design consultation!
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#customcloset #closetfactory #dreamcloset #custombuilt #closetdesigner #customclosetdesign #closetgoals #customspacedesign #closetdesign #luxurycloset #organizedcloset #rva #804 #richmondva #professionalorganizer

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Let's make space for what you love.

Professional Home Organizing + Decluttering Services
Richmond, VA | Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area

Meet Mary

HOME ORGANIZING
+ DECLUTTERING

CUSTOM STORAGE DESIGN
+ CONSULTATION

AS Seen IN

Introducing Life:Organized

Get Organized - One Small Win at a Time!

follow us

subscribe now

Let's make space for what you love.

Professional Home Organizing + Decluttering Services Richmond, VA | Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area

Meet Mary

HOME ORGANIZING + DECLUTTERING

CUSTOM STORAGE DESIGN + CONSULTATION

AS Seen IN

Introducing Life:Organized

Get Organized - One Small Win at a Time!

follow us

​

subscribe now

Professional Home Organizing + Decluttering Services
Richmond, VA | Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area

HOME ORGANIZING
+ DECLUTTERING

CUSTOM STORAGE DESIGN
+ CONSULTATION